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Are you happy with Tacoma?

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Comments

  • randytynerrandytyner Member Posts: 2
    so will this problem be fixed in the 2000 models and is it true (any proof) out there that the 2000 models will be lower?
  • katsohiskatsohis Member Posts: 83
    my tacoma has been nothing but awesome!and it's been to the red line (and a little over) many times!
  • ziggy10ziggy10 Member Posts: 41
    I Think I got a good deal on a new Tacoma over the
    internet. Check it out.
    Edmunds Invoice
    2000 V6 2wd EXT Cab (manual trans) 13,803
    AW (alum wheels) 296
    BU (bucket seats) 52
    CF (Floor mats) 41
    CQ (convenience pkg) 365
    LX (SR5 Pkg A/C,tint, etc.) 1,449
    PO (power everything) 376
    SR (sunroof- didn't want it) 312
    CL (cruise control) 200
    Destination charge 480
    _____________________________________________
    TOTAL 17,376
    My Cost 17,427!!!
    The "fleet manager" (all this was done over the
    internet, by the way) is gonna let me have it for
    17,427. That's only fifty bucks above
    Edmunds.com's invoice price. Do you think it's a
    good deal or what???? Also, the lady says that she
    goofed on the price and that I'm getting it 150.00
    "below" invoice. I don't know if she's right or
    not, but I think I got a good deal. Plus I haven't
    even set foot in the dealership (100 miles away).
    Does anybody know why the truck's base invoice
    price dropped 800 bucks from 1999???? AND does
    anybody know why the LX SR5 package DOUBLED in
    price from last year?????
  • mgoodman2mgoodman2 Member Posts: 1
    Sounds like a deal, but your questions do bring some concerns. Why would the base price drop on one model and double on another. I take it you have compared the two mentioned prices with edumonds?
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    I also have been eagerly awaiting the '2000 prices. It does look like the base price has gone down considerably. I compared a '99 ext. cab 4x4 with the 2.7 eng and 5 speed, but with the TRD and conv. package, SR5, etc. to a similarly equipped '2000 and the '2000 came out $650 =\- cheaper. So I'm going to wait and get a newer truck. I think they have disguised the new price with a lower base and higher options. It looks a lot cheaper until you add the goodies. Has anyone actually seen a '2000? My dealer has a lot of '99's to get rid off and are acting like '2000 doesn't exist!
  • mpazosmpazos Member Posts: 42
    Has anyone heard anything about Toyota building a 4 door Tacoma similar to the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab? I am holding out buying anything right now as the idea of a Tacoma Crew Cab would really be awesome!! Or a 3 door at least...
  • axranaaxrana Member Posts: 16
    I have heard a lot about this. I have looked on the web and have also talked to some dealers. I looks like in the 2001 redesign, they will come out with the 4 door. It is already there for the rest of the world (called the Hilux 4X4). It should come out in the middle of 2000 as a 2001.

    That, incidently, is one of the reasons why they are going cheap. They need to get the 1999 and then the 2001 models gone before the redesign begins.

    Let's hope that this is true. I plan to hold out for this too.
  • jasonpeterclarjasonpeterclar Member Posts: 30
    Why doesn't Toy allow the locking differential option with the 2.7L/Auto combination? Seem's they only allow that option with the 5 speed. Seems like they are assuming a lot.
  • katsohiskatsohis Member Posts: 83
    yes they are supposed to release a 4dr tacoma mid year....(and it won't look like that god awfull nissan........yuk!!!)
  • deltoid1deltoid1 Member Posts: 26
    Please post some links for pictures of the redesigned 2001 model.
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    My local dealer just got in a '2000 Tacoma. (one) along with a truckload of '99's. It was a 2.7 four cylinder 4x4 ext. cab w/auto. A few curious notes. It had the big tires, but no TRD, not avail. on 4cyl w/auto. The auto transmission was listed under "standard equipment" no extra charge, but the brochure lists it as "available",(read extra $$). No locking differential avail with auto either. I'd love an auto, but not with so many restrictions. Cd player now standard on SR5 package. Sticker was 22K. The '99's are getting cheaper by the day and they had about 15 of them.

    deltiod1, I doubt you'll see the 2001 redo anywhere for awhile, they'll probably keep that under tight wraps as long as possible. I think they are concerned about selling the '2000's with a new four door right around the corner. Hopefully this will make for easy haggling on the '2000's once they are not quite so new.
  • thai2thai2 Member Posts: 3
    What do you guys think of the K&N air filter for the Tacoma ?
    Is it worth $60 ?
  • hindsitehindsite Member Posts: 590
    It is up to you, but supposely it is better than the regular air filter.
  • wsnoblewsnoble Member Posts: 241
    I put the K+N filter in when it was time to change the factory one. It seems to be a slight bit peppier, but nothing of real notice. The reason i did it, was that it would be cheaper in the long run as well as being better for my truck...

    -wsn
  • katsohiskatsohis Member Posts: 83
    i put one in my v6 tacoma and it seems to work.you can hear the difference in the air intake at full throttle,also i ran it at the track and pulled a 16.5 and the road test said 16.7 who knows maybe i just drove it better than them?????? (chirping 3rd gear!)
  • ziggy10ziggy10 Member Posts: 41
    Got mine yesterday at 50 bucks over invoice!! What a sweet ride this truck is. The V6 has so much power, and the ride is so smooth that it's very hard to stay UNDER the speed limit... Even going up hills!!! Nice 3 in one sound system too!!! Love it all!!!
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    Whatever.
  • katsohiskatsohis Member Posts: 83
    Whatever what????
  • abacus2abacus2 Member Posts: 1
    I just test drove a new 2000 4x4 Tacoma with the big tires. It was raining and I was driving down a road which was pretty rough. The truck starting going sideways. This scared me to death since it was not even my truck. My question is how does the Tacoma handle in snow or rain? Do the skinner tire work better?
  • bdevbdev Member Posts: 13
    I'm looking at getting a Tacoma 4x4 Extended Cab, 5sp to perform a number of functions such as haul the never ending junk that seems to come and go from our house, do occasional off-roading (not extreme by any means), commute back and forth to work mostly on expressways and try to have fun while doing all of the above. I have a couple of questions for you owners.
    1. If you communte with your Tacoma, do you find it comfortable/acceptable for this purpose? Ride not too harsh, quiet enough, handling fine, ...
    2. What kind of real world fuel economy would I expect with this set up?
    3. Is the TRD package strictly for off-road or are there on road benefits too (recommended for my intended use??)

    Thanks,
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    I just traded in my '97 Tacoma and took delivery of a new '99 ext cab 4x4 with 5spd and the 4cyl. It has the TRD. I use mine mostly for commuting and weekend hauling. I think the truck is a great commuter. I love the TRD, firmer ride, but not harsh. It handles dips in the road much better than the stock. Still has a truck ride though, so if you're used to a car, it might seem a bit rough. Those 31" tires do whine a bit, but not bad. I love the ride height, lets you see the idiots in front of you locking it up in time to slow down. Also, other drivers tend to respect a 4x4 and aren't as likely to cut you off. One complaint, the stereo doesn't sound as good as my '97! Not as much bass. Definitely needs new speakers and maybe new deck. MPG range in the lower 20's with 50/50 freeway and town. Hope you get one!
  • ziggy10ziggy10 Member Posts: 41
    I jst got my 2000 V6 xtra cab, but it's only a 2WD. The bucket seats are plenty fine for travelling. I have plenty of power. I also have a 3 in 1 stereo, and the sound is very good (I think--- about 10 years in school bands/orchestras). The ride is like a truck, almost, but probably not as harsh as a full size (definitely not as harsh as my dad's Chevy!!). It's quiet inside the cab, but with the V6 you can hear the ponies when you rev it. The ride is plenty fine though. Take one out for a spin for a while, and then compare it to something else (like a dakota or ranger). I'm still on my first tank of gas. I have 200 miles on it, and still have a little over 3/8 of a tank. I'll probably get about 300-325 on it before refill (15 gallon tank). I think the mileage will improve once it's "broke in"......... Good luck.
  • dj116adj116a Member Posts: 5
    I am interested in buying a 96/97 Tacoma 4x4 with a V6. I have a few questions for y'all. Does anyone know why they quit making them with a V6 in '98? Does anyone know how they drive or if they are hard to find? What kind of tires do you reccommend? Any comments and suggestions would be gratly appreciated.

    Thanks DJ
  • marksiemarksie Member Posts: 14
    I was looking over the maintenance guide for the Tacoma and found every 15,000 miles you have to "Lubricate the propeller shaft and re-torque bolts" Then it says to: "Re-torque drive shaft flange bolts" What's the difference between the propeller shaft and the drive shaft? What do you torque the bolts to? Where are the bolts on the propeller shaft to torque? Where are the flange bolts located? Thanks for any help.

    bdev- I have a 1999 Tacoma 4wd 5sp ext-cab V6 with the TRD and the bench seat. I find it comfortable enough. It handles fine and there isn't much road noise. The stereo is kind of weak though. I get about 19-20 m.p.g. with a mix of town and highway driving.
  • rotorrayrotorray Member Posts: 42
    dj116a:
    I was advised(by a Toyo guy) that they stopped putting the V6s in Tacomas because the new Prerunner and 4WD tacomas were maxing the V6 manufacturing capacity. Sounded reasonable to me at the time. I also wanted a V6 Tacoma 2wd. Don't really need the 4X syling of the Prerunner but I must admit that it appeals to me.
  • katsohiskatsohis Member Posts: 83
    I WAS VERY UPSET WHEN I DROVE A TRD VERSION OF THE X-CAB TACOMA.THE RIDE IS SOOOOOOO MUCH NICER THAN MINE WITHOUT THE TRD OPTION!LOOKS LIKE MY NEXT ONE IS A TRD.
  • GischpelGischpel Member Posts: 133
    I agree with tisteve, except I don't have the TRD or big tires and think the ride is also great. The height is not that much different with the stock tires (a couple of inches) and the mileage is probably comparable. I get 22-24 MPG -- mostly highway.

    For all my highway driving, I would opt for anti-lock brakes in the future and an anti-sway bar for the front end. It really dips and pushes in sharp corners and harsh maneuvers.

    My two cents.

    Terry
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    DJ, are you saying they don't put the v6 in regular cabs, or tacomas in general? I have seen many 99 ext cabs with the V6, but hadn't paid much attention to the regular cabs. If you can swing it, I highly recommend the extra cab. Great for those rainy days and extra passengers and dogs.

    On the TRD, I love it. Much better ride, much less body roll in corners and doesn't bottom out in large dips. It does seem to follow the irregularities in the road a bit more though, you have to pay closer attention to lane drift on rougher roads. That might be from the bigger tires.

    Question, I thought the 4wd on demand just meant auto locking hubs, but you don't have back up to disengage or anything, just shift it into 4HI, even while your driving, and shift out to disengage. How is this different than auto hubs? Or is this just a newer generation of auto hubs?
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    4wd on demand not only engages the transfer case, but puts the truck into 4wd hi. Autolocking hubs only engages the transfer case, but does not egage the front wheel. On autolocking hubs, the only difference is that you don't have to get out of your truck to "enable" 4X4 capability.

    One thing I don't like about the Tacoma's 4X4 is the locking diff. It only works when in 4 low. It defeats the purpose of a locking differential. Most people who opt for locking differenctial want it for the times that they want more traction, but 4wd is overkill, such as wet or slippery roads, etc. Its not a very useful Locking Diff in my opinion.
  • rsmtomrsmtom Member Posts: 28
    ADD equipped trucks do not have automatic hubs. They are permanently engaged "hubs", just like recent production Jeeps have. Thus, there is no need to back up to disengage when going to 2H, as is required with Nissans and some domestics. You will find that the front half-shafts always turn with the wheels on ADD trucks, no matter the transfer case setting. Some will complain of premature wear of front end components with "hubless" front ends--my '90 w/ADD has over 205,000 miles on it, and only now is a CV boot in need of replacement. The CV's themselves are in excellent condition.
  • chuttiechuttie Member Posts: 6
    zbad71--Are you sure about how the locking differential on the Tacoma works? My understanding that it is provided primarily to use when you are in 2-wheel hi. I think that's true because they have it in the pre-runner and that certainly doesn't have 4-wheel drive. Who knows for sure out there?
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    I don't think the locking diff only works in 4lo or 4hi for that matter, I believe it also works in 2wd. The warning sticker doesn't say anything about 4wd, but it does say not exceed 5mph! To only use it to free a stuck vehicle. I thought you could lock in while light off-roading and maybe not need to put it in 4wd. But to not exceed 5mph seems a bit useless, I'd rather use it BEFORE I get stuck.

    Rsmtom, thanks for explanation on ADD, what does ADD stand for? I didn't realize the front hubs are "always" engaged, seems a bit of a waste to be pushing all that equipment all the time. Wonder what it does to MPG? What kind of truck do you have?
  • rsmtomrsmtom Member Posts: 28
    As I recall, ADD is short for "Automatic Differential Disconnect". I can't attest to fuel economy impact, but I don't think there is any significant loss. The rotating mass of the front-end components is negligible relative to the weight of the truck itself. If you're still uneasy with a "hubless" front end, simply swap in a pair of Toyota manual hubs, as found on the base model 4X4's (it's a direct bolt-on swap on most Toy trucks; may be different on late model Taco's). Mt truck is a '90 SR5 ExtCab V6, with 206,000 miles.
  • dj116adj116a Member Posts: 5
    I recently took a 96 taco 4x4 V6 xntd cab for a test drive and I loved it. I am definitely looking for a 96/97 model and was wondering which options you all reccomend the most. I am trying to be cost effective so frills like a sunroof are out. How bad are the brakes w/o ABS in the rain??
    DO you reccommend auto or manual? THanks,

    Dj116a
  • zbad71zbad71 Member Posts: 226
    I owned a 96 Tacoma Ext Cab 4X4 with V6, SR5, all the bells and whistles, including offroad and tow equipment. Although I would never buy another one, it was a very reliable and "fun" vehicle to drive. I just think they are way overpriced for what they are.

    I have seen the newer models and like the older 96/97 models better. They seem a little bigger, if not just exterior-wise. A bit more solid than the new models too.

    I had the head gasket problem on mine at 19k miles, but Toyota fixed it without hassles and extended my powertrain warranty to 100k miles. Other than that, I had no problems at all with the truck. It had 47k miles on it when I traded for a full size truck.

    Good luck. If you like the smaller trucks, this is a good one. I think you will fair better as far as saving money if you go with a S10, Sonoma, or Ranger. More truck for the money and they are just as good a truck, maybe better in some ways.
  • phatmikephatmike Member Posts: 21
    The locker can only be used in 4lo. This can be defeated with some creative rewiring though. The 5mph limit I think is crap because I've had mine engaged and going 25mph and had no probs with it.
  • benz88benz88 Member Posts: 42
    I just bought a 2000 tacoma xcab sr5 v6 buckets auto trd package abs pw/pl alm. paid 23K. FM radio reception pretty weak. I have the 3in1 combo. Should be snowing this week, can't wait :-). Previous truck was YJ sahara, a/c is much better in tacoma.

    I prefer autohubs because i can shift on the fly on the highway when i hit the snowy stretches. I really liked that on the YJ. You don't need to backup to get out of 4whl. I hated that on my brother's pathfinder.

    The locking diff is useful when your on the trail and one front and one rear breaks free and spins. I didn't have the locking diff. on the YJ and there was one trail that i couldn't do. Backing down a winding trail with a steep dropoff is no fun. I still dream of it sometimes. You definitely don't need locking diff for 99.9% of the time even if you offroad. Its the 0.1% thats the kicker.

    my 0.2 cents
  • jerry61jerry61 Member Posts: 14
    I have been driving a 1999 Tacoma 4WD, Xtracab, 5 Spd, TRD, 4 cylinder for two weeks. Before I bought the Tacoma, I test drove the Dodge Dakota (I had my heart set on the Dakota) but was disappointed with the ride. The Dakota's engine whined liked a spoiled child and its interior was cheap looking. Also, it was really difficult to shift into third. So far the Toyota is a pleasure to drive. It provides a commmading view of the road (much higher than my Jeep Cherokee), but I do miss the power of a 6 cylinder. The Tacoma's 4 cylinder engine is adequate, but after three years driving the Jeep's 190 HP 6 cylinder engine, a 4 cylinder takes something to get used to. The Tacoma's dash is nicely designed and everything is in easy reach of the driver. The Tacoma shifts amazingly smooth for a truck. I used to drive a 1994 Acura Integra and the Tacoma shifts almost as smoothly. If this truck is your only vehicle and you have a family, think again about buying it. The Xtracab does not provide adequate room for someone sitting back there on long trips, but it is a nice convenience to have. The 4WD traction is excellent. Approaching my house, there is a steep road covered in loose gravel. When I back up to the house in 2 WD, my wheels spin. After engaging the 4WD, that truck digs in like a charm. I'm looking forward to some off roading once I break it in. One drawback I found on the Tacoma is that rear wheel ABS is not a standard feature as it is on the Ranger and Dakota, but I like the Toyota's sturdy built, firm drive, smooth shifting, and stellar reputation. Now if I can avoid the headgasket problem Tacoma's have, I think I will be very happy with the truck. (I heard the h-gasket problem was most prevalent up to the '96 model. I do not know how true that is.)
  • axranaaxrana Member Posts: 16
    is only found on the V6. Also, from the reports lately (from others who have the truck), it has been fixed - ofcourse, you are going to now get about 5 people telling you how their truck is better than yours. Don't listen to those idiots, and just enjoy your truck. Good luck. I plan to buy a Tacoma in the middle of next year. They are redesigning it for 2001, and I want to know what the changes are going to be. I hope that they come out with a crew cab, but only time will tell. I think the Tacoma is a great truck, but don't tell that to anyone else - they will try and convince you that it is not that good. As long as it meets your needs, who cares what anyone else thinks?!?! Have few in your new truck.
  • parkman50parkman50 Member Posts: 63
    axrana, good advice, ie if it makes you happy, there is no need to justify it to anyone else.

    jerry61, glad to hear you like your truck. I too first looked at the Dakota. Because of it's pricing and no 3rd or 4th doors, it was eliminated. I really needed (wanted) the easy access. I ended up with a new ranger and I'm really happy with it. I was disappointed that Tacoma didn't have 4 doors, but I hear they are fixing that real soon.

    I've owned Chevys, Fords, Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans, one Dodge, and even one Mitsubishi. Regardless of what anyone says about quality or reliability, I've never had major problems with any of them before a 100,000 miles. I look for the brand/model that fits my needs at the time.

    Happy motoring.
  • jerry61jerry61 Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the feedback and info on the head gasket. Drive safely.
  • wsnoblewsnoble Member Posts: 241
    This is a link to the Toyota Australia website. They have had a crew cab toy for quite some time.

    http://www.toyota.com.au/showroom/index_fr.html

    -wsn
  • benz88benz88 Member Posts: 42
    I just bought a 2000 Tacoma and have been driving it for a week. Overall the truck is great but there is always room for improvement.

    These are my peeves:
    clunk when auto trans gears down at stoplight
    back seats are too minimalistic (xcab)
    no clock
    poor radio reception
    no engine compartment light
    no power mirrors with power option
    no maplight
    prefer the lever type hand brake to the pull and turn.
    no lighted vanity mirrors or driver side vanity mirror (I know this is truck but the wife drives it too)
    no compass, temperature gadget
    no power tailgate lock
    horn sounds girlie
  • HolliwoodHolliwood Member Posts: 46
    I have a '98 4x4 Tacoma and I have the same "peeves". Overall, I feel that it's pefect for me. I wouldn't have any other compact truck, though the Frontier is a close second.

    To stop the "bump" you feel, mainly when decelerating, for a red light. Try drive it with the ECT power "On". It'll drink more gas, but the bump will go away. It did for me anyway.
  • katsohiskatsohis Member Posts: 83
    the goodyear gsa tires are very loud compared to the rt/s tires on my recent 97 tacoma.
  • ziggy10ziggy10 Member Posts: 41
    Here's an update on my new V6 5sp Tacoma. It still runs great and I LOVE this truck. I did notice a scrape sound when going into driveway or drainage ditch. Then I noticed it going around corners. I figured it was a defective shock, but no. Toyota doesn't have those kinds of problems most of the time. It turned out that I had a heat shield next to the shock that was loose. Dealership tightened it up for free (of course!!!!) and had me back on the road in half an hour. Man, I tell you, the Toyota mechanics are of excellent quality down here in Northern L.A. area.

    LOVE MY NEW TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
  • twistedhedtwistedhed Member Posts: 5
    I drive for a living. I am an owner operator just like some of the 18 wheelers only I drive a smaller truck. I do about 400 miles a day in state(Fla.) I just purchased my second Taco, with this one being a Tacoma 4x2 Extra Cab 4 banger(don't need the 6 as its all flat here) I have owned just about every "compact" truck, foreign and domestic throughout my years of employment driving on the road here in Fla. My Taco was the only one that went over 100,000 miles with NO problems. Complete oil reseal done at 123,000. I don't give a damn what people think about the cost. I purchased my new one at 120 bucks over invoice with the S5 package. This is the norm here. I KNOW all about driving hard. I am on the road 5 days a week about 2000 miles per week. I am overjoyed with my toyo and know the reliability. I do not tow but haul plenty. I don't care about the "overpricing" of them. I know what works and that Taco will pay for itself in 2 years and then some. No other vehicle can stand the hard driving and the heat my truck endures. The ride is great, the A/C-brrrrrrrr, the stereo sucks so what? You gonna base a decision on the radio? Didn't think so.It is THE dependability truck. Spare me the stories of your American made 100,000 miles plus vehicles. See if they can do that mileage in a year with no problems. 'Nuff said.
  • jaysincjaysinc Member Posts: 1
    This US vs. Japanese thing is soooooooo tired. I have been reading all the usefull stuff on this site for long time. Until now. "Mr America" just ended my stay. Get a life buddy.
  • benz88benz88 Member Posts: 42
    Anyone find wheel locks for y2k taco with trd package? My dealer says they won't be available 'til spring.
  • rsmtomrsmtom Member Posts: 28
    Have any of you Taco owners (esp. 4X4's) had problems with the rack & pinion steering hardware?
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